Chest Freezers For Outbuildings
A chest freezer lets you keep food items that you don't use all year round and help reduce trips to the grocery store. It also makes cooking at home more convenient.
If you are planning to place your freezer in a shed or garage that gets warm, look for models that are specifically designed to work in this type of environment. Additionally, you should choose a model that includes wire storage baskets to help keep your food organized.
Size
Often found in garages and outbuildings Chest freezers are a great option for those who want to store up bargains that can be frozen. Typically, they are cheaper than upright freezers, and offer plenty of storage (around five bags) for the price. Currys own-brand model, for example, is a good value with a lid that opens more easily than the majority of. It has an A+ rating for energy efficiency which means it's cost-effective to run.
If you're looking to make the most of your chest freezer, search for models that have wire storage baskets that can be suspended from the rim. These baskets will keep daily things, such as chopped vegetables, away from the mess of frozen foods. freezers uk are especially useful when you're freezing meat as it is difficult to reach the top of your freezer.
Due to their dimensions and footprint, the majority of chest freezers are relegated to the basement or garage to make room for kitchens. More manufacturers are now creating freezers specifically designed to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations in an outbuilding or garage. These freezers are generally sold as 'garage ready' and can withstand temperatures as low as -22degC.
The size of freezer you purchase will also be determined by the amount of space you have available, as well as your budget. While there are plenty of great freezer deals available, it's important to find one that's right for you and the location you'll utilize it.
If you're going to keep your freezer in your garage or outbuilding, consider getting one with an alarm for high temperatures. This feature will alert you if the freezer has exceeded its safe temperature limit, which could happen if you forget to close the door after loading it with food or when it accidentally becomes warmer during defrosting. It's also a good idea to buy a freezer with locks, to prevent unauthorised access to your frozen treats. These features may seem minor, but they will make a huge difference over time.
Convenience
A second freezer in your home will reduce the need to go to the supermarket and make it easier to purchase items on sale, and enable you to prepare meals in batches for later use. Despite their larger size chest freezers can fit in small spaces in garages or outbuilding, and are ideal for those who have little storage space.
Many people are hesitant to invest in a chest freezer, worried that it will be too big and difficult to access or manage. There are many options with user-friendly features and come in various sizes. This Northair chest freezer is among the smallest on our list but it is capable of holding a lot of food items. It also comes with lids that are easy to open and counterbalanced so you don't accidentally close it as you go through its contents.
Another option is this GE model that can handle temperatures of up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers the most storage space of any freezer on this list. The door can be opened wide and locked. The interior LED light aids in finding your frozen snacks.
They are more organized and look like refrigerators, but may not be able to handle external temperatures as well as chest freezers. Some models, such as this one from Whynter come with bins that can help you organize and allow you to customize the food storage to maximize capacity.
If you are considering a standing freezer, you should consider one with removable wire storage baskets to lift everyday items out of the way of more bulky items, such as open bags of frozen vegetables or oven chips. Basket-equipped freezers are easier to find and can handle external temperatures better than freezers with shelves. Some brands, like Beko and Russell Hobbs, (a Currys brand), have freezers that are safe to use up to -15C. This makes them ideal for cold garages or outbuildings. It is important to check the warranty provided by the manufacturer since it might not cover freezers placed in unheated storage areas.
Energy efficiency
A chest freezer is the most energy efficient option of all freezer types. Its airtight seal is a great way to conserve cold air, which saves energy and lowers utility bills. By contrast single-door freezers suffer from leakage that forces their compressors to work harder to maintain an even temperature. A majority of chest freezers also feature low-frost technology that reduces the frequency of defrosting and reduces energy consumption even more.
Another way that a chest freezer can aid in reducing your energy bills is by being more efficient in its insulation than upright counterparts. This is crucial when it is kept in a garage or another area that can be extremely warm.
As far as storage goes, chest freezers can be just as convenient and accessible as upright models. Keep in mind that you'll have bend over and reach inside them to get your food out, so these appliances aren't ideal for those who have mobility issues. Also, most chest freezers require manually defrosted (you'll have to unplug the unit, then open it and let the ice melt). If this sounds like an inconvenience then you should look for models equipped with wheels or drains built-in.
It's wise to choose an appliance that uses less energy, for instance a chest freezer, as freezers are known to be high-energy consumers. There is an annual consumption amount, usually listed in kWh, for the majority of models on their energy labels or in the product manuals.
It's crucial to be aware of the climate classification of a chest freezer prior to you purchase. A freezer classified as class SN for instance can store frozen food at temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius. This makes it an excellent option for a garage or an outbuilding.
It's worth exploring the many choices available for a chest freezer for your outbuilding. There's sure to be one that meets your needs, whether you want to store summer ice cream, or make-ahead freezer meals for a bustling household. And, with an energy-efficient design and plenty of space for storage, a chest freezer can be a smart purchase.
Maintenance
It doesn't matter which freezer you pick. It is essential that it is placed in a place where it can easily be accessed. A garage or outbuilding is a perfect choice. Be aware that chest freezers can suffer from damage if exposed to temperatures outside of their recommended range.
It's good to know that more and more manufacturers are taking note of this issue and are making their products more suited to garages and outbuildings. Find freezers that are "garage optimized". These freezers are equipped with specially designed compressors and a thick layer of insulation. They also have triple-sealed seals to ensure that the ideal temperature is maintained inside the freezer, even when it's extremely cold or hot. The product name will often include the phrase "garage-ready" or include it in the specifications.
Both upright and chest freezers require a bit of maintenance to keep them working effectively. If you opt for a chest freezer that requires manual defrost, it's going to need to be regularly cleaned of ice to keep the appliance from freezing over. Upright freezers, on the other hand, are usually self-defrosting. They also have fewer parts that require maintenance over time.
To allow adequate ventilation, freezers must be at least six inches away from other appliances or walls. They also need to have a half-inch of space behind them to ensure that they can be cleaned and swept when needed. Also, all freezers should be regularly checked to ensure that the door seal is still in place and isn't showing signs of wear.
It's also a good idea to periodically clean the freezer's condenser coils as well as its cooling fan. This will stop dust, pet hair and lint accumulation on the freezer, which may cause it to work harder. Be sure to disconnect the freezer before cleaning and always make use of a long-handled bristle broom and vacuum cleaner that is compatible with freezers. Avoid using harsh chemicals like abrasives and abrasives as well as chlorine bleach, or other household cleaners because they could damage the interior of the freezer. Before you perform any maintenance on a freezer, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions.